A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Balaton Lake vs. Brescia for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Balaton Lake or Brescia?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Balaton Lake and Brescia can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Balaton Lake or Brescia?

Balaton Lake

Balaton is a major freshwater lake in Hungary and the largest lake in Central Europe with a shoreline of 197 kilometers. The region around the lake is a popular holiday destination with a great number of resort towns and high-rise hotels to accommodate visitors seeking out lakeside activities, beaches, volcanic hills, and vineyards. Some of the towns are also very historic, offering examples from eighteenth-century art and architecture to castle ruins.

Brescia

As you look up to the heavens, marveling at the scattered puffs of white clouds kissed by the sun in its golden hue and set against a clear blue sky, you return your gaze to your surrounding land: an Italian paradise of lush forests, majestic Alps, mouth-watering aromas of local bakeries and restaurants, and a romantic cityscape. Brescia is located in the Lombardy region of Northern Italy. Nestled away between the two bustling cities of Milan and Verona, Brescia stands at the foot of the Alps beside the breathtaking Lake Garda. Once a "pass-through" city of Italy, Brescia is now considered the "lioness of Italy" in its rich culture and impressive history. Founded over 3,200 years ago, Brescia's significance in pre-Roman times has allowed it to still retain in its global fame. From the oldest ruins of Northern Italy to hidden gems of Lombardy's natural world, Brescia holds some of the most well-preserved Roman architecture in Italy. A dynamic, hardworking city, Brescia holds about 200,000 inhabitants and is the second-largest city in the Lombardy region. A city that captures the heart and soul of Italian tradition, experience Italy in all its glory in Brescia!

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Hungary, The Best Luxury Tours to Hungary, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Brescia or Balaton Lake?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Balaton Lake is $86, while the average daily cost in Brescia is $154. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Balaton Lake and Brescia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Balaton Lake $48
    Brescia $80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Balaton Lake $96
    Brescia $160
Compare Hotels in Balaton Lake and Brescia

Looking for a hotel in Balaton Lake or Brescia? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Balaton Lake


Hotels in Brescia


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Brescia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Balaton Lake $12
    Brescia $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Brescia

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Brescia:

  • Lake Garda Hills Wine Tasting, Picnic in a vineyard and Transfer: $218

Is it cheaper to fly into Balaton Lake or Brescia?

Prices for flights to both Brescia and Balaton Lake change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Balaton Lake $27
    Brescia $50

Typical Food Prices in Brescia

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Brescia:


  • Dinner at Pizzaria (for 2)
    $25

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Brescia

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Brescia.

  • Wine Tasting and Dinner/Lunch or Aperitivo in Franciacorta Winery: $32
  • 3 Hour Private Italian Tradition Cooking Class in Brescia: $76
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Brescia with Show Cooking: $93
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Desenzano del Garda with Show Cooking: $93
  • Cooking class in a garden: handmade pasta: $113
  • Private Cooking Class at a Cesarina's Home in Desenzano del Garda: $158
  • Private Cooking Class at a Cesarina's Home in Brescia: $158

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Balaton Lake $20
    Brescia $33

Tours and Activities in Brescia

Here are a few actual costs in Brescia for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Brescia Walking Tour with Audio and Written Guide by a Local: $4.19
  • Digital Guide made by a Local for your walking tour: $6.42
  • Guided Tour in Lugana DOP - 3 wines from Perla del Garda: $33
  • Sirmione Sunset Tour: $38
  • Desenzano Sunset Walking and Boat Tour with a Drink On Board: $57
  • 3 Hours Walking Tour with a Drink in Brescia Italy: $71
  • Italy most underrated city:Brescia-Walking tour with a drink: $74
  • Photographic tour at sunset on Lake Garda: $78
  • Canyoning "Gumpenfever" - beginner Canyoningtour for everyone: $84
  • Lake Cruise (visit Torri & Gargnano): $91
  • Desenzano e-bike tour: $98
  • Brescia Private Walking Tour: $114

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Balaton Lake $8.73
    Brescia $24

Sample the Local Flavors in Brescia

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Brescia:

  • Wine Tour and Tasting of Lugana Wines in Desenzano: $49
  • Franciacorta: Wine Tasting and Vineyard Tour with Snacks: $80
  • Vineyard Tour: Top Franciacorta Wine Tasting: $82
  • E-Bike tour and Wine tasting from Desenzano Inland: $92
  • Self-guided Wine tour in Franciacorta, Full-Day Experience with Lunch: $147
  • From Milan: Lake Iseo, Bergamo & Franciacorta Wine Tour: $738
  • VIP Experience to Lake Iseo and Franciacorta Wine Tasting: $1,604


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Balaton Lake and Brescia, we can see that Brescia is more expensive. And not only is Balaton Lake much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Balaton Lake would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Balaton Lake and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Brescia would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Brescia than you might in Balaton Lake.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Balaton Lake Expensive? and Is Brescia Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Balaton Lake or Brescia?

Brescia has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Balaton Lake. When comparing the sizes of Balaton Lake and Brescia, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Balaton Lake or Brescia?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Balaton Lake or Brescia in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Balaton Lake and Brescia. Also, many travelers come to Brescia for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Balaton Lake is around the same temperature as Brescia. Typically, the summer temperatures in Balaton Lake in July average around 22°C (71°F), and Brescia averages at about 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Brescia this time of the year. In Balaton Lake, it's very sunny this time of the year. Balaton Lake usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Brescia during summer. Balaton Lake gets 302 hours of sunny skies, while Brescia receives 286 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Balaton Lake usually receives less rain than Brescia. Balaton Lake gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Balaton Lake 22°C (71°F) 
    Brescia 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Balaton Lake or Brescia in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Balaton Lake as well as Brescia. Also, many visitors come to Brescia in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Balaton Lake is generally around the same temperature as Brescia. Daily temperatures in Balaton Lake average around 13°C (56°F), and Brescia fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Balaton Lake often gets more sunshine than Brescia. Balaton Lake gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brescia receives 137 hours of full sun.

Balaton Lake usually gets less rain in October than Brescia. Balaton Lake gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Balaton Lake 13°C (56°F) 
    Brescia 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Balaton Lake or Brescia in the Winter?

Both Brescia and Balaton Lake are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Brescia for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Brescia can be very cold during winter. Balaton Lake can get quite cold in the winter. Balaton Lake is much colder than Brescia in the winter. The daily temperature in Balaton Lake averages around 0°C (32°F) in January, and Brescia fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

Balaton Lake usually receives less sunshine than Brescia during winter. Balaton Lake gets 72 hours of sunny skies, while Brescia receives 98 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Balaton Lake usually receives less rain than Brescia. Balaton Lake gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Balaton Lake 0°C (32°F) 
    Brescia 1°C (35°F)

Should I visit Balaton Lake or Brescia in the Spring?

Both Brescia and Balaton Lake during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Brescia because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Balaton Lake is around the same temperature as Brescia. Typically, the spring temperatures in Balaton Lake in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Brescia averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Balaton Lake often gets more sunshine than Brescia. Balaton Lake gets 187 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brescia receives 169 hours of full sun.

Balaton Lake usually gets less rain in April than Brescia. Balaton Lake gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Balaton Lake 12°C (54°F) 
    Brescia 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Brescia and Balaton Lake

Balaton Lake Brescia
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 0°C (32°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 1°C (35°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 7°C (45°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 9°C (47°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 12°C (54°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 13°C (55°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 20°C (68°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 21°C (71°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jul 22°C (71°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Aug 22°C (71°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 20°C (67°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 14°C (58°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 3°C (38°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)